While completing the DTCM/MTCM Dual-degree or the DAc/MAc Dual-degree program you can choose to train in a specialized field of study in any of the following areas. Specialty programs are offered based on faculty availability and student interest. Specializations are available in:

• Five Element
• Medical Qigong
• Sports Medicine
• Tuina Massage

Five Element

• Dr. Gary Dolowich, M.D., L.Ac., Department Co-Chair
• Mary Huse, R.N., L.Ac., Department Co-Chair

Taught by highly knowledgeable and experienced faculty, the Five Element program includes both theoretical courses and clinical training. You will learn to diagnose and treat Qi according to the Five Element model, addressing a deeper level of human experience. Upon completion of Five Element Theory I & II, Five Element Point Location, 2 units of Five Element electives, and all Five Element clinical courses you will be awarded the Five Element Specialization.

Course Title	Code	Units	Hours
[Five Element Specialization Program]
Five Element Theory I	FEL 415	2	30
Five Element Theory II	FEL 420	2	30
Five Element Spirit of the Points I-III	FEL 436-438	2	30 each
Five Element Deepening Into the Officials	FEL 440	2	30
Five Element Point Location	FEL 445	1	15
Five Element Archetypal Acupuncture	FEL 450	2	30
Five Element Clinical Rounds	FCL 300	1.5	45
Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds	FCL 400	3	90
Five Element Clinical Internship	FCL 800	1.5	45

Five Element Theory I

FEL 415

2 Units　30 Hours

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the Five Elements. You will explore a map of energy, particularly well suited for treating emotional and spiritual levels, and will begin to develop the skill to read energetic imbalances through color, sound, odor, and emotion. The concepts in this course expand the range of conditions successfully treated by TCM practitioners.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Theory II

FEL 420

2 Units　30 Hours

This course builds on the materials presented in Five Element Theory I, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the elements and their Officials. You will gain a profound understanding of Five Element energetics and how to utilize this knowledge in the treatment room. Case studies will be presented throughout the course to enrich your understanding of this system of acupuncture.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Spirit of the Points I-III

FEL 436-438

2 Units　30 each Hours

Acupuncture points each have a name, a history, and a particular meaning and energy. This course examines the name of the point, its location, its relationship to the elements and to the corresponding Official. This course is divided into three sections and includes discussion, meditation, art and poetry.

Section I, FEL 436: Addresses the points of Wood and Fire Meridians

Section II, FEL 437: Addresses the points of Earth, Metal and Water Meridians

Section III, FEL 438: Addresses the points of the Window of Sky, Governor and Conception Vessels.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Deepening Into the Officials

FEL 440

2 Units　30 Hours

This course presents the energetics of each of the Officials from the Five Element perspective. You will learn the many ways the Officials present themselves when out of balance, and how these imbalances are expressed in patients’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual lives. The methodology of choosing points to address the Official most in need of support will be discussed. You will learn how an imbalance of the Officials within yourself, and as a practitioner, affects your understanding and treatment of patients.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Point Location

FEL 445

1 Units　15 Hours

This course deepens your understanding of the Five Element treatment strategies learned in Theory I and II. You will learn to improve Five Element point location accuracy, and further develop your knowledge of Five Element point functions and indications.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Archetypal Acupuncture

FEL 450

2 Units　30 Hours

This course explores the similarities that exist between modern Jungian psychology and Chinese medicine and how Jungian psychology archetypes are viewed within the Five Element model. You will learn to recognize archetypal emotional imbalance patterns in your patients and influence these energies through acupuncture points. The emphasis of the course will be on personal growth; with rituals, slides, Qigong exercises, stories, and spiritual poetry used to create a “sacred space” for this exploration.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Clinical Rounds

FCL 300

1.5 Units　45 Hours

In this clinical training course, you will observe senior practitioners in clinic as they apply Five Element theory, energetics, and point selection to a broad spectrum of patients, gaining an understanding of the principles of Five Element Acupuncture as applied in a clinical setting.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds

FCL 400

3 Units　90 Hours

In Clinical Internship Rounds, you will diagnose and treat patients in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of a senior practitioner. You will learn to treat patients with a variety of conditions using Five Element theory, energetics, and point selection.

Prerequisite:

None

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Five Element Clinical Internship

FCL 800

1.5 Units　45 Hours

In this final stage of clinical training, you will be assigned your own patients and conduct intake, diagnosis and treatment under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor.

Prerequisite:

None

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Medical Qigong

• Francesca Ferrari, L.Ac., Department Co-Chair
• Jean Vlamynck, L.Ac., Department Co-Chair

Course Title	Code	Units	Hours
[Medical Qigong Practitioner Specialization Program]
Medical Qigong I	FEL 310	2	30
Medical Qigong II	FEL 320	2	30
Medical Qigong III	FEL 330	2	30
Medical Qigong IV	FEL 340	2	30
Medical Qigong Clinical Internship Rounds	FCL 400	3	90

Medical Qigong I

FEL 310

2 Units　30 Hours

In Medical Qigong I, you are led through a progressive series of Qigong (Vital Energy Skills) meditations and exercises. You will learn basic applications of Medical Qigong (purging excess conditions, tonifying deficiencies, dispersing stagnations and regulating Qi, blood and body fluid), and how and when to apply them in clinic. You will be introduced to energetic psychology, discharging toxic emotions, and will learn how to handle the emotional discharges and toxic energetic releases coming from your patients.

Prerequisite:

None

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Medical Qigong II

FEL 320

2 Units　30 Hours

In Medical Qigong II, you are led through a progressive series of advanced Shengong (Spirit Skill) meditations and exercises, specifically used for developing advanced intuitive diagnostic skills. You will learn how to establish proper energetic boundaries, and neutralize psycho/emotional interactions such as projection, transference, and counter-transference. Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to participate in the Medical Qigong clinical training and assist the instructor with performing treatment protocols.

Prerequisite:

None

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Medical Qigong III

FEL 330

2 Units　30 Hours

In Medical Qigong III, you will be provided with an overview of the esoteric principles and foundational structures that govern Traditional Chinese Medical Qigong. Course content includes: the study of the Three Outer Forces and their influence on the human body, energy, food and diet, the body’s energetic internal structures, Advanced Shengong Cultivation Methods, the Eight Supernatural Powers, how to rectify Qi deviations, among other topics.

Prerequisite:

None

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Medical Qigong IV

FEL 340

2 Units　30 Hours

In Medical Qigong IV, you are introduced to advanced Medical Qigong theories and their clinical application. Upon completion of this course, you will be ready to practice on your own, utilizing Medical Qigong treatment protocols in combination with other TCM modalities, empowering your patients to use modified Qigong prescriptions to suit their personal needs.

Prerequisite:

None

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Medical Qigong Clinical Internship Rounds

FCL 400

3 Units　90 Hours

Conducted in a small class setting, Clinical Internship Rounds provides you with exposure and first-hand experience with Medical Qigong diagnosis and treatment. In this hands-on clinical training course you will learn and experience the different aspects of energetic dysfunction and symptom manifestation. Through the careful guidance of the instructor, you will assist in all phases of diagnosis and treatment.

Prerequisite:

None

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Sports Medicine

Course Title	Code	Units	Hours
[Sports Medicine Specialization Program]
TCM Traumatology and Orthopedics	FCM 600	3	45
Advanced TCM Trauma and Orthopedics	FEL 700	2	30
Sports Medicine Clinical Rounds	FCL 300	1.5	45
Sports Medicine Clinical Internship	FCL 800	1.5	45

TCM Traumatology and Orthopedics

FCM 600

3 Units　45 Hours

This course covers the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of the musculo-skeletal system in accordance with both TCM and Western medicine. Emphasis is placed on the differentiation of bone and soft tissue injuries related to common sports and industrial injuries. You will learn to treat patients with acupuncture and herbs, perform essential orthopedic tests to evaluate the outcome of treatments, recognize red flags in orthopedics, and make appropriate referrals. You will learn how to competently instruct patients in the proper rehabilitation and the prevention of sports and industrial injuries.

Prerequisite:

None

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Advanced TCM Trauma and Orthopedics

FEL 700

2 Units　30 Hours

This course covers the etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment for traumatic injuries of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and muscles from an integrative approach. You will learn how to review X-rays, perform specific orthopedic tests for common musculoskeletal injuries, and make proper referrals when necessary. Herbal formulas for poultices, plasters and compresses will be taught in addition to acupuncture treatment modalities.

Prerequisite:

None

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Sports Medicine Clinical Rounds

FCL 300

1.5 Units　45 Hours

In this specialized clinical training course, you will observe senior practitioners in clinic as they apply acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herbs, and Tuina massage to a broad spectrum of patients with sports injury-related conditions.

Prerequisite:

None

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Sports Medicine Clinical Internship

FCL 800

1.5 Units　45 Hours

In this final stage of clinical training, you will gain the skills to diagnose and treat patients, applying classical and specialized acupuncture and herbal formula treatment plans for a variety of sports injuries, utilizing Western medical examination and diagnostic techniques when appropriate.

Prerequisite:

None

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Tuina Massage

TCM Tuina massage practitioners work with the energy channels and points of the body using the same principles as acupuncture except that hands and fingers are used rather than needles. Tuina massage releases stagnant energy flow and tension in the body, enhances the healing process, and aides in the recovery of damaged tissues. Utilizing a variety of hand techniques, Tuina massage is usually practiced on a clothed body. A highly effective holistic approach, Tuina provides physical and mental relaxation and a deep sense of well-being. This treatment modality is highly beneficial for young children and patients that have concerns about the use of acupuncture needles. The TCM Tuina Massage specialization program consists of 176 hours of both theoretical and clinical training. This program is open to students who are not enrolled in the DTCM/MTCM Dual-Degree Program, provided they meet the general education enrollment requirements and have taken the prerequisites.

Course Title	Code	Units	Hours
[TCM Tuina Massage Practitioner Specialization Program]
TCM Tuina Massage I	FAP 610	3	45
TCM Tuina Massage II	FEL 610	2	30
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds	FCL 400	1.5	45
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship	FCL 800	1.5	45

TCM Tuina Massage I

FAP 610

3 Units　45 Hours

Massage and manipulation, or Tuina, comprise one of the traditional five branches of TCM. Although the TCM program emphasizes the clinical methods of acupuncture and herbology, this course introduces you to Tuina and other traditional Chinese therapeutic massage systems. 

Prerequisite:

None

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TCM Tuina Massage II

FEL 610

2 Units　30 Hours

This course expands on the foundation of TCM Tuina Massage I, focusing on clinical assessment and treatment protocols for a variety of common musculoskeletal and internal medicine disorders.   

Prerequisite:

None

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TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds

FCL 400

1.5 Units　45 Hours

In this specialized clinical training course, you will practice a broad spectrum of applications of Tuina massage with patients in a clinical setting under the direct supervision of a senior practitioner.

Prerequisite:

None

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TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship

FCL 800

1.5 Units　45 Hours

A continuation of the theoretical and practical aspects of Tuina massage, this clinical training course provides you with the opportunity to work with your own patients, practicing what you have learned in class and observed in clinic, under the direct supervision of a senior practitioner. 

Prerequisite:

None

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